Method for providing fast dry to fabric

ABSTRACT

A method for reducing time needed for drying fabric comprising laundering the fabric at least 3 times with a composition comprising a linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 5000 that is terminated with —N—(—CH 2 —CH(OH)—CH 2 —Cl) 2 , wherein the linear polyether is deposited on the fabric and reduces the time needed for drying.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of Application No.PCT/US2011/050113, filed on 1 Sep. 2011, which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for providing fast dryproperty to fabric.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

After laundering of fabric, fabric is dried. Drying can be done by linedrying or dryer drying. In a dryer, the longer the drying time, the moreenergy that is used to dry the fabric. It would be desirable to reducethe time needed to dry fabric.

WO01/27232A 1 discloses a fabric care composition comprising a polymericmaterial that is capable of self cross-linking and/or of reacting withcellulose together with one or more textile compatible carriers, whereinthe polymeric material comprises one or more poly(oxyalkylene) groupshaving an end group which comprises one or more amino groups orderivatives of said amino groups. The compositions may be used to treatfabric as part of a laundering process and improve the surface colordefinition of the fabric following multiple washings.

US2003/0162689A1 (WO03/062361A1) discloses a liquid fabric conditionerfor fabric care and to the use of the conditioner in a washing orlaundry drying process, to a conditioning substrate containing a liquidfabric conditioner, and to a conditioning process using the conditioningsubstrate in a laundry drying process. The liquid fabric conditioner andconditioning substrate are used to reduce fluff formation and pilling.

US2007/0021315A1 discloses that hard water is softened by a compositioncomprising a fatty acid and/or an alkali salt thereof, a dispersingagent and a precipitation softener thereby simultaneously forming anddispersing an insoluble calcium salt of the fatty acid.

GB2378960A discloses a fabric care composition comprises a fluorocarbonstain-blocking agent and a cationic cross-linking polymeric materialwhich is capable of self cross-linking and/or of reacting with cellulosetogether with one or more textile compatible carriers, wherein thecationic cross-linking polymeric material comprises one or morepoly(oxyalkylene) groups having an end group which comprises one or moreamino groups or derivatives of said amino groups. Use of the compositionimproves the surface color definition and stain repellency of a fabricafter multiple washings and imparts pill and/or fuzz resistance.

EP372848A2 discloses an aqueous emulsion of a perfluoropolyether havinga molecular weight in the range 3000 to 8000 is made by agitating theperfloropolyether with a non-ionic non-fluorine-containing surfactanthaving an HLB value in the range 11.5 to 17. The emulsions may be usedin fabric conditioners.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method for reducing time needed for drying fabric comprisinglaundering the fabric at least 3 times with a composition comprising alinear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 5000that is terminated with —N—(—CH₂—CH(OH)—CH₂—Cl)₂, wherein the linearpolyether is deposited on the fabric and reduces the time needed fordrying.

In certain embodiments, the molecular weight is less than 2000.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses.

Provided is a method for reducing time needed for drying fabriccomprising laundering the fabric at least 3 times with a compositioncomprising a linear polyether having a weight average molecular weightless than 5000 that is terminated with —N—(—CH₂—CH(OH)—CH₂—Cl)₂, whereinthe linear polyether is deposited on the fabric and reduces the timeneeded for drying.

The laundering can start with machine washing or hand washing. Washingtypically includes using a detergent in a wash cycle. Washing is usuallyfollowed by a rinse cycle. After washing and rinsing, fabrics can bedried by hanging on a line or in a dryer. The fabric can be ironed afterdrying.

The method can be used on any type of fabric. In certain embodiments,the fabric is in need of a reduced time for drying. Typical fabricsinclude any fabric used to make clothing, such as cotton, polyester,elastane, or denim. In certain embodiments, the fabric is denim.

The composition used in the method can be used during any step of thelaundering method. In one embodiment, the composition is added duringthe wash cycle. In one embodiment, the composition is added during therinse cycle. It has been found that multiple launderings can increasethe reduction of the time needed for drying. The fabric can be launderedwith the composition for at least 3 times, at least 4 times, or at least5 times.

The composition contains a linear polyether having a weight averagemolecular weight less than 5000 that is terminated with—N—(—CH₂—CH(OH)—CH₂—Cl)₂. In other embodiments, the molecular weight isless than 4000, less than 3000, or less than 2000. In certainembodiments, the polymer has a molecular weight less than 2000. Thispolymer having a molecular weight less than 2000 is available from DevanChemical under the Passerelle™ trademark as DP5270 or DFD. DP5270 issold as an aqueous composition that contains 20% polymer with a totalsolids of 23-24%, with the other solids being surfactants. The DFDproduct contains 82% of the DP5270 product and further containsethoxylated fatty-quaternary softeners. The amount of the polymer in thecomposition is 0.08 to 0.4% by weight of the composition. In certainembodiments, the amount is 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, or 0.4% by weight of thecomposition. Based on as supplied weight, the DP5270 composition can beused in an amount of 0.5 to 1.5% by weight of the composition,optionally at 0.5, 1, or 1.5% by weight. The DFD composition can be usedin an amount of 0.5 to 2% by weight of the composition, optionally at0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2% by weight.

The Passerelle™ polyethers are used to treat fabrics during themanufacture of the fabrics by direct application of the polyethers tothe fabric to provide fast dry to the fabrics. The method of theinvention allows the polyether to be added to fabrics that were nevertreated or to reapply the polyethers during home use.

In one embodiment, the polyether is included in a fabric conditioner. Afabric conditioner composition contains a fabric softener material. Incertain embodiments, the softener is a cationic softener selected fromamong esterquats, imidazolinium quats, difatty diamide ammonium methylsulfate, ditallow dimethyl ammonium chloride, and mixtures thereof.

In certain embodiments, the cationic fabric softener is an esterquat.The esterquats of the following formula:

wherein R₄ is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having from 8 to 22 carbonatoms, R₂ and R₃ represent (CH₂)₅—R₅, where R₅ is an alkoxy carbonylgroup containing from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, benzyl, phenyl, C₁-C₄ alkylsubstituted phenyl, OH or H; R₁ is (CH₂)₁—R₆, where R₆ is benzyl,phenyl, C₁-C₄ alkyl substituted phenyl, OH or H; q, s, and t, eachindependently, are an integer from 1 to 3; and X⁻ is a softenercompatible anion.

The esterquat is produced by reacting about 1.65 (1.5 to 1.75) moles offatty acid methyl ester with one mole of alkanol amine followed byquaternization with dimethyl sulfate (further details on thispreparation method are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,915,867). Using thisratio controls the amount of each of monoesterquat, diesterquat, andtriesterquat in the composition. In certain embodiments, the alkanolamine comprises triethanolamine. In certain embodiments, it is desirableto increase the amount of diesterquat and minimize the amount oftriesterquat to increase the softening capabilities of the composition.By selecting a ratio of about 1.65, the triesterquat can be minimizedwhile increasing the monoesterquat.

Monoesterquat is more soluble in water than triesterquat. Depending onthe AI, more or less monoesterquat is desired. At higher AI levels(usually at least 7 %), more monoesterquat as compared to triesterquatis desired so that the esterquat is more soluble in the water so thatthe esterquat can be delivered to fabric during use. At lower AI levels(usually up to 3%), less monoesterquat is desired because during use, itis desired for the esterquat to leave solution and deposit on fabric toeffect fabric softening. Depending on the AI, the amount ofmonoesterquat and triesterquat are adjusted to balance solubility anddelivery of the esterquat.

In certain embodiments, the reaction products are 50-65 weight %diesterquat, 20-40 weight % monoester, and 25 weight % or less triester,which are shown below:

In other embodiments, the amount of diesterquat is 52-60, 53-58, or53-55 weight %. In other embodiments, the amount of monoesterquat is30-40 or 35-40 weight %. In other embodiments, the amount oftriesterquat is 1-12 or 8-11 weight %.

The percentages, by weight, of mono, di, and tri esterquats, asdescribed above are determined by the quantitative analytical methoddescribed in the publication “Characterisation of quaternizedtriethanolamine esters (esterquats) by HPLC, HRCGC and NMR” A. J.Wilkes, C. Jacobs, G. Walraven and J. M. Talbot—Colgate Palmolive R&DInc.—4^(th) world Surfactants Congress, Barcelone, 3-7 VI 1996, page382. The percentages, by weight, of the mono, di and tri esterquatsmeasured on dried samples are normalized on the basis of 100%. Thenormalization is required due to the presence of 10% to 15%, by weight,of non-quaternized species, such as ester amines and free fatty acids.Accordingly, the normalized weight percentages refer to the pureesterquat component of the raw material. In other words, for the weight% of each of monoesterquat, diesterquat, and triesterquat, the weight %is based on the total amount of monoesterquat, diesterquat, andtriesterquat in the composition.

In certain embodiments, the percentage of saturated fatty acids based onthe total weight of fatty acids is 45 to 75%. Esterquat compositionsusing this percentage of saturated fatty acids do not suffer from theprocessing drawbacks of 100% saturated materials. When used in fabricsoftening, the compositions provide good consumer perceived fabricsoftness while retaining good fragrance delivery. In other embodiments,the amount is at least 50, 55, 60, 65 or 70 up to 75%. In otherembodiments, the amount is no more than 70, 65, 60, 55, or 50 down to45%. In other embodiments, the amount is 50 to 70%, 55 to 65%, or 57.5to 67.5%. In one embodiment, the percentage of the fatty acid chainsthat are saturated is about 62.5% by weight of the fatty acid. In thisembodiment, this can be obtained from a 50:50 ratio of hard:soft fattyacid.

By hard, it is meant that the fatty acid is close to full hydrogenation.In certain embodiments, a fully hydrogenated fatty acid has an iodinevalue of 10 or less. By soft, it is meant that the fatty acid is no morethan partially hydrogenated. In certain embodiments, a no more thanpartially hydrogenated fatty acid has an iodine value of at least 40. Incertain embodiments, a partially hydrogenated fatty acid has an iodinevalue of 40 to 55. The iodine value can be measured by ASTM D5554-95(2006). In certain embodiments, a ratio of hard fatty acid to soft fattyacid is 70:30 to 40:60. In other embodiments, the ratio is 60:40 to40:60 or 55:45 to 45:55. In one embodiment, the ratio is about 50:50.Because in these specific embodiments, each of the hard fatty acid andsoft fatty acid cover ranges for different levels of saturation(hydrogenation), the actual percentage of fatty acids that are fullysaturated can vary. In certain embodiments, soft tallow containsapproximately 47% saturated chains by weight.

The percentage of saturated fatty acids can be achieved by using amixture of fatty acids to make the esterquat, or the percentage can beachieved by blending esterquats with different amounts of saturatedfatty acids.

The fatty acids can be any fatty acid that is used for manufacturingesterquats for fabric softening. Examples of fatty acids include, butare not limited to, coconut oil, palm oil, tallow, rape oil, fish oil,or chemically synthesized fatty acids. In certain embodiments, the fattyacid is tallow.

While the esterquat can be provided in solid form, it is usually presentin a solvent in liquid form. In solid form, the esterquat can bedelivered from a dryer sheet in the laundry. In certain embodiments, thesolvent comprises water.

AI refers to the active weight of the combined amounts formonoesterquat, diesterquat, and triesterquat. Delivered AI refers to themass (in grams) of esterquat used in a laundry load. A load is 3.5kilograms of fabric in weight. As the size of a load changes, forexample using a smaller or larger size load in a washing machine, thedelivered AI adjusts proportionally. In certain embodiments, thedelivered AI is 2.8 to 8 grams per load. In other embodiments, thedelivered AI is 2.8 to 7, 2.8 to 6, 2.8 to 5, 3 to 8, 3 to 7, 3 to 6, 3to 5, 4 to 8, 4 to 7, 4 to 6, or 4 to 5 grams per load.

The composition can be provided as a fragrance free composition, or itcan contain a fragrance. The amount of fragrance can be any desiredamount depending on the preference of the user. In certain embodiments,the total amount of fragrance oil is 0.3 to 3 weight % of thecomposition. The fragrance can be in free form, encapsulated, or both.

Fragrance, or perfume, refers to odoriferous materials that are able toprovide a desirable fragrance to fabrics, and encompasses conventionalmaterials commonly used in detergent compositions to provide a pleasingfragrance and/or to counteract a malodor. The fragrances are generallyin the liquid state at ambient temperature, although solid fragrancescan also be used. Fragrance materials include, but are not limited to,such materials as aldehydes, ketones, esters and the like that areconventionally employed to impart a pleasing fragrance to laundrycompositions. Naturally occurring plant and animal oils are alsocommonly used as components of fragrances.

The composition can contain any material that can be added to fabricsofteners. Examples of materials include, but are not limited to,surfactants, thickening polymers, colorants, clays, buffers, silicones,fatty alcohols, and fatty esters.

The fabric conditioners may additionally contain a thickener. In oneembodiment, the thickening polymer is the FLOSOFT™ DP200 polymer fromSNF Floerger that is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,864,223 to Smith etal., which is sold as FLOSOFT™ DP200, which as a water solublecross-linked cationic polymer derived from the polymerization of from 5to 100 mole percent of cationic vinyl addition monomer, from 0 to 95mole percent of acrylamide, and from 70 to 300 ppm of a difunctionalvinyl addition monomer cross-linking agent. A suitable thickener is awater-soluble cross-linked cationic vinyl polymer which is cross-linkedusing a cross-linking agent of a difunctional vinyl addition monomer ata level of from 70 to 300 ppm, preferably from 75 to 200 ppm, and mostpreferably of from 80 to 150 ppm. These polymers are further describedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,806,345, and other polymers that may be utilized aredisclosed in WO 90/12862. Generally, such polymers are prepared aswater-in-oil emulsions, wherein the cross-linked polymers are dispersedin mineral oil, which may contain surfactants. During finished productmaking, in contact with the water phase, the emulsion inverts, allowingthe water soluble polymer to swell. The most preferred thickener is across-linked copolymer of a quaternary ammonium acrylate or methacrylatein combination with an acrylamide comonomer. The thickener in accordanceprovides fabric softening compositions showing long term stability uponstorage and allows the presence of relatively high levels ofelectrolytes without affecting the composition stability. Besides, thefabric softening compositions remain stable when shear is appliedthereto. In certain embodiments, the amount of this thickening polymeris at least 0.001 weight %. In other embodiments, the amount is 0.001 to0.35 weight %.

The fabric conditioner may further include a chelating compound.Suitable chelating compounds are capable of chelating metal ions and arepresent at a level of at least 0.001%, by weight, of the fabricsoftening composition, preferably from 0.001% to 0.5%, and morepreferably 0.005% to 0.25%, by weight. The chelating compounds which areacidic in nature may be present either in the acidic form or as acomplex/salt with a suitable counter cation such as an alkali oralkaline earth metal ion, ammonium or substituted ammonium ion or anymixtures thereof. The chelating compounds are selected from among aminocarboxylic acid compounds and organo aminophosphonic acid compounds, andmixtures of same. Suitable amino carboxylic acid compounds include:ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA); N-hydroxyethylenediaminetriacetic acid; nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA); and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DEPTA). Suitable organo aminophosphonic acid compoundsinclude: ethylenediamine tetrakis (methylenephosphonic acid);1-hydroxyethane 1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP); and aminotri(methylenephosphonic acid). In certain embodiments, the composition caninclude amino tri methylene phosphonic acid, which is available asDequest™ 2000 from Monsanto. In other embodiments, the composition caninclude glutamic acid, N,N-diacetic acid, tetra sodium salt, which isavailable as Dissolvine™ GL from AkzoNobel.

In certain embodiments, the composition can include a C₁₃-C₁₅ FattyAlcohol EO 20:1, which is a nonionic surfactant with an average of 20ethoxylate groups. In certain embodiments, the amount is 0.05 to 0.5weight %.

In certain embodiments, the composition can contain a silicone as adefoamer, such as Dow Corning™ 1430 defoamer. In certain embodiments,the amount is 0.05 to 0.8 weight %.

In certain embodiments, the composition can be an aqueous compositionthat contains the linear polyether and water. In other embodiments, thelinear polyether can be added directly to the laundering method.

In certain embodiments, the method reduces the time needed for drying byat least 5, at least 10, or at least 20% as compared to a time fordrying without the use of the linear polyether.

SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

In the examples below, the amounts of material are based on the assupplied weight of the material. For each of the examples, the amount ofwater is reduced by the amount of polyether added.

Compar- Material (weight %) ative Example Tetnmyl ™ AHT5090 Esterquatfrom Kao 7.8 7.8 Lactic acid (80% active) 0.0625 0.0625 Dequest ™ 2000amino trimethyl 0.05 0.05 phosphonic acid FLOSOFT ™ DP200 thickeningpolymer 0.135 0.135 DPD or DF5270 linear polyether having a 0 0.5, 1,weight average molecular weight less than 1.5, or 2 2000 that isterminated with —N—(—CH₂—CH(OH)—CH₂—Cl)₂ Water and minors (fragrance,preservative, Q.S. Q.S. color) about 85.5% water for the comparative to100 to 100

Preparation Method

Weigh required amount of distilled water in a beaker. Add aminotrimethyl phosphonic acid and lactic acid to water and mix. Heat to 40°C. Stir the solution using an overhead stirrer at 250 RPM for 2 minutes.In a beaker, heat esterquat to 65° C. Add esterquat into solution whilestirring at 400 RPM. Mix the solution for 10 minutes. Add SNF™ polymerinto the solution and stir for 10 minutes. Add the polyether polymerinto solution while stirring at 250 RPM. Mix the solution for 5 minutes.Check the temperature of the mixture. On cooling to room temperature,add any fragrance drop wise.

Fabric Treatment with Fabric Softener

Prepare an approximate 1.8 kg load containing 5 denim swatches (100%cotton denim, 35×35 cm long, approximately 50 g per swatch) with 1.6 kgof ballast load, per product to be tested (washing machine).

-   -   Weigh each Swatch and record measurement    -   Using a marking pen, label swatches with respective product        identification code.    -   Weigh out detergent samples and fabric softener for each wash.    -   Washing machine(s) should be cleaned by conducting a wash cycle.

Washer Type Top Load Wash Cycle Normal Cycle Wash Time 55 minutes WaterLevel 43 liters used for each wash and rinse cycles Wash TemperatureRoom Temperature Rinse Temperature Room Temperature Laundry Load Size1.8 Kg Detergent Ariel ™ Oxianillos detergent from Mexico Dosage 90 gFabric Softener 110 g

-   -   Set wash controls for custom cycle with specified wash period.        Add detergent and fabric softener to respective compartments in        washing machine. Add swatches and ballast load to washing        machine.    -   Start wash cycle    -   Wash for specified amount of time    -   Remove wash load & swatches for hand wash rinsing.

All the garments treated are rinsed and hung to dry without wriggling.The garment are allowed to hang for 5 Minutes to drip the excess ofwater and then weighed. Once completed, they are weighed each at fixedtime interval (every 30 minutes) in order to assess the speed of drying.

35 cm denim swatches are evaluated during the experiment (35 cm×35 cm).Up to 5 denim swatches are evaluated per treatment as repetitions inorder to avoid the experimental error. The following treatments aretested during the experiment:

The Passerelle™ DFD polymer is tested at 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 weight % assupplied in the fabric conditioner composition. The percent waterretained is shown below compared to a fabric conditioner without thepolymer.

Polymer Weight % Water Retention (%) 0.5% 105.767 1.5% 106.47  1%107.689  2% 108.767 Control without polymer 111.831

The Passerelle™ DP5270 polymer is tested at 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 weight %as supplied in the fabric conditioner composition. The percent waterretained is shown below compared to a fabric conditioner without thepolymer.

Polymer Weight % Water Retention (%)  1% 105.452 1.5% 105.62  2% 106.822Control without polymer 107.1 0.5% 108.563

The reduction of drying time in a tumble drier is determined bymeasuring the % water retention of denim swatches during drying.

In order to plot the speed of drying the % Water Retention is calculatedbased in the following formula

${\% \mspace{14mu} {Water}\mspace{14mu} {Retention}} = \frac{\left( {{WeightWet} - {WeightDry}} \right)}{WeightDry}$

The % Water Retention is plotted during the time of the experiment(Every 30 min).

Fabric Treatment with Fabric Softener

Prepare an approximate 2 kg load containing 5 denim swatches (100%cotton denim, 175 cm long, approximately 400 g per swatch) withoutballast, per product to be tested (washing machine).

-   -   Using a marking pen, label swatches with respective product        identification code.    -   Weigh out detergent samples and fabric softener for each wash.    -   Washing machine(s) should be cleaned by conducting a wash cycle.

Washer Type Front Loading Wash Cycle Custom - 40° C., “Fast”Centrifugation Wash Time 77 minutes Water Level 23 liters used for allwash and rinse cycles Wash Temperature 40° C. Rinse Temperature RoomTemperature Spin Speed 1200 RPM Laundry Load Size 2 Kg Drying DryerDetergent Ariel ™ Professional detergent from Europe Dosage 80 g FabricSoftener 110 g

-   -   Set wash controls for custom cycle with specified wash period.        Add detergent and fabric softener to respective compartments in        washing machine. Add swatches to washing machine.    -   Start wash cycle    -   Wash for specified amount of time

The test is run for 50 minutes, and the percent water retention ismeasured. Three samples are prepared: a swatch that has no treatment, aswatch treated with fabric conditioner, and a swatch with fabricconditioner containing Passerelle™ DFD at 2% by weight. After 20 minutesof drying, the swatches with Passerelle™ DFD at 2% are almost dry andstatistically different versus conditioner treated and water onlytreatments that are dried for 50 minutes. See data below.

Sample Water Retention (%) Passerelle ™ DFD at 2% 3.723 FabricConditioner only 15.892 Water only 19.345

As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each andevery value that is within the range. Any value within the range can beselected as the terminus of the range.

Unless otherwise specified, all percentages and amounts expressed hereinand elsewhere in the specification should be understood to refer topercentages by weight. The amounts given are based on the active weightof the material.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for reducing time needed for drying fabric comprising laundering the fabric at least 3 times with a composition comprising a linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 5000 that is terminated with —N—(—CH₂—CH(OH)—CH₂—Cl)₂, wherein the linear polyether is deposited on the fabric and reduces the time needed for drying.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the molecular weight is less than
 4000. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the molecular weight is less than
 2000. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the fabric is laundered at least 5 times.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is an aqueous composition.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is added during a rinse cycle during laundering.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the laundering comprises washing the fabric and rinsing the fabric.
 8. The method of claim 1 further comprising drying the fabric.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the drying is line drying.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the drying is dryer drying.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the polyether is present in the composition in an amount of 0.08 to 0.4% by weight of the composition.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises a fabric softener.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the fabric softener is present in an amount for a delivered AI of 2.8 to 8 grams per load.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises a surfactant.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the method reduces the time needed for drying by at least 5% as compared to a time for drying without laundering with the linear polyether. 